Keywords: Middle East


Houthis claim first direct attack on Israel amid escalating regional tensions

Yemen’s Houthi movement has confirmed launching its first direct attack on Israel since the start of the ongoing regional conflict, marking a significant escalation that could widen tensions across the Middle East. The group, formally known as Ansar Allah, stated that it carried out a missile......

Japanese finance minister warns of bold action as yen nears 160

The USD/JPY pair traded just below the key 160.00 level Friday. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama issued her strongest intervention warning yet against the yen's persistent slide, driven by soaring oil prices and Middle East tensions. Katayama told reporters Friday that authorities must......

European stocks dip as Middle East war fuels ECB rate hike bets

European stocks edged lower Friday as investors weighed the economic fallout from the ongoing Middle East war. Disruptions to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz stoke inflation fears across the continent. The STOXX 600 fell 0.2 percent to 579.71 points. Mid-cap stocks led losses with a 1.4 percent......

Asia-Pacific governments roll out emergency measures amid energy crisis

Asia-Pacific governments have launched urgent fiscal programs, fuel subsidies and liquidity injections to steady markets rocked by the Middle East war. The conflict pitting the United States and Israel against Iran disrupts energy supplies and undermines economic confidence across the region. A Reuters......

German Chancellor Merz to meet Syrian President Chareh in Berlin

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to meet Syrian President Ahmad el-Chareh in Berlin on Monday to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a spokesperson for the German government announced on Friday. “The Chancellor will welcome President Ahmad el-Chareh at the Chancellery......

EBRD warns Iran war may cut growth by 0.4 points

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development cautioned Tuesday that the ongoing Middle East conflict threatens economic growth across its regions. Higher energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and tighter financial conditions pose risks. Forecasts could drop 0.4 percentage points if oil prices......

Asian markets fall as Iran rejects us ceasefire proposal

Asian stock markets declined and oil prices rose on Thursday after Iran rejected a US-backed ceasefire proposal, dimming hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict now entering its fourth week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.3 percent, while South Korea’s Kospi dropped 1.9 percent. Hong......

Norway parliament to vote on fuel tax cuts amid rising oil prices

Lawmakers in Norway are set to vote on proposals to reduce taxes on petrol and diesel as the country faces increasing fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East. The debate comes as global oil prices have surged בעקבות the ongoing conflict in the region, placing pressure on households and......

Australia suspends entry for Iranian visitors amid rising regional tensions

Australia has announced a temporary suspension of entry for travelers holding Iranian passports, citing heightened security and migration concerns linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The measure, which will remain in place for six months, applies primarily to tourist and business visa holders. Government......